THE GAMECOCKS CONTINUE TO SOAR AFTER COLLEGE GLORY: From NCAA Champions to WNBA Powerhouses, The Gamecock Sisterhood Reigns Supreme as Allisha Gray Claims Player of the Week Honors and Te-Hina Paopao Lights Up the Court with Flair, Fire, and a Whole Lot of Fight—Why Dawn Staley’s Disciples Are Dominating the Pros
June 19, 2025 | Columbia, South Carolina
The legacy of South Carolina women’s basketball has never been stronger—and this week, that legacy is glowing with pride from coast to coast. Former Gamecocks Allisha Gray and Te-Hina Paopao, two shining examples of what Dawn Staley’s powerhouse program produces, are making major headlines in the WNBA. Gray, now a veteran presence with the Atlanta Dream, has been named the WNBA Player of the Week, while Paopao, a recent Gamecock standout, is drawing attention with her smooth shooting and fiery court presence early in her professional career.
Together, these women—fondly referred to by fans as part of the “Gamecock Sisterhood”—are proving that South Carolina isn’t just a college basketball powerhouse. It’s a launchpad to professional greatness.
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Allisha Gray: Still Soaring, Still Scoring
Allisha Gray’s name has become synonymous with consistency and class in the WNBA. Since being drafted in 2017, the 6’0″ guard has carved out a reputation as one of the league’s most complete two-way players. But this past week, she didn’t just shine—she dominated.
Leading the Atlanta Dream to a three-game win streak, Gray averaged 24.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over that stretch, including a sizzling 31-point performance against the Chicago Sky that left fans and analysts alike raving. She shot an eye-popping 58% from the field and a lethal 48% from behind the arc.
“Her game has matured so much,” said Atlanta Dream head coach Tanisha Wright. “She’s a leader, a bucket-getter, and she defends at an elite level. Honestly, she’s playing the best basketball of her career right now.”
This isn’t the first time Gray has been recognized for her excellence—she was the 2017 WNBA Rookie of the Year—but the timing of her resurgence has fans buzzing. With Olympic roster spots still being debated, Gray is making a strong late push that might be too impressive to ignore.
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Te-Hina Paopao: From Freshman Phenom to WNBA Sensation
Meanwhile, the WNBA’s rookie spotlight is warming up for none other than Te-Hina Paopao, the sharp-shooting guard from California who transferred to South Carolina for her final year of eligibility and helped the Gamecocks make a deep NCAA tournament run.
Now suiting up for the Los Angeles Sparks, Paopao is showcasing the same calm, confident swagger that made her a fan favorite in Columbia. In a recent matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, she put up 17 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals, electrifying the crowd with her trademark range and composure under pressure.
“I’ve always believed that if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready,” Paopao told reporters postgame. “Coach Staley prepared me for this. She pushed me beyond what I thought I could do.”
Indeed, Paopao’s basketball IQ and playmaking instincts are translating seamlessly to the pro level. WNBA analysts are already penciling her in as a Rookie of the Year dark horse, especially as the Sparks continue to rely more heavily on her in late-game situations.
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The Dawn Staley Effect: A Pipeline of Power
What ties Gray and Paopao—and so many other thriving pros—together is one unmistakable thread: Dawn Staley. Her mentorship and player development track record are now the gold standard in college basketball, and her fingerprints are all over the current WNBA landscape.
As of the 2025 season, over a dozen former Gamecocks are on WNBA rosters or in international leagues. From A’ja Wilson and Zia Cooke to Destanni Henderson and Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina’s influence on women’s hoops is profound and undeniable.
“We always say, once a Gamecock, always a Gamecock,” said Allisha Gray when asked about the Gamecock bond. “We support each other, root for each other, and carry that pride with us every time we step on the floor.”
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A Sisterhood in Full Bloom
For fans of South Carolina basketball, this moment is more than just a week of accolades—it’s a living, breathing reminder of what makes the program special. The Gamecock Sisterhood is not just about wins and stats; it’s about connection, culture, and character.
Allisha Gray’s WNBA Player of the Week award is a celebration of endurance. Te-Hina Paopao’s breakout moments are a celebration of promise. Together, they represent the past, present, and future of what it means to be a Gamecock.
And as they continue to rise in the professional ranks, one thing is clear: The sky is not the limit for the Gamecock Sisterhood—it’s only the beginning.
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